Guest writer here!

I see this happing a lot more in the future. I think Dirk should get way more attention than he does! He should be mentioned with names like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. In my opinion he is one of the best players in the league if not the best. He is always there when you really need him to be. He never fouls out or does anything stupid to get ejected or a technical foul. Now that the Mavs have swept the Lakers maybe Dirk will get the attention he deserves maybe he can lead his team to their first championship.  

Mentor Imitation Writing: Michael Wilbon

(Ron Artest of Los Angeles Lakers will most likely be susupended for clothesling mavericks guard, JJ Barea late in the 4th quarter of last nights Game 2 of the series)

UNACCEPTABLE

The Dallas Mavericks outplayed the struggling Lakers the entire night. In a night of frustration for the Lakers, Ron Artest must have better self control instead of acting in an unsportsmanlike conduct. Ron Artest will learn his fate later today to see if he will be suspended for his actions. Examples of foul play like this in the league will not be tolerated, and I am sure David Stern will teach him a lesson. Ron Artest has had a history of having a short temper, dating back to the brawl vs. the Indiana Pacers years ago. This act might have landed him a spot in next years free agency as the Lakers will not allow this type of behavior. Not only were his actions bad, but he has been playing bad as of late, becoming a liability to the team with his unnecessary and selfish shots. He is on the court to play defense, yet he still continues to get blown by Shawn Marion everytime he touches the ball. Good job my friend, because of you are a grown man who cant control his temper, i suggest you take some anger management classes because the NBA is not where you belong.

A Tribute to my Mentor Author: Michael Wilbon

Michael Wilbon, collumnist for Espn.com and co-host of Espn show "Pardon the Interruption" is my favorite sportswriter. Wilbon's  articles tend to interest me in a variety of aspects, keeping me hungry to read  them every day. His writing style is soo attention grasping because of his blunt, realistic approach to sportswriting. He interests his audience in many ways including humor. Using jokes for example, "Both of us played basketball, and I played tennis and my knees are done. Now if you ask us head-to-head who wins at golf, I'm asking for a couple of strokes." Or he can interest his audience with his use of strong diction. For example, "What we've seen this season is that if something that will enhance performance is available, some players will indulge... unless the penalty is an absolute deterrent." What interests me the most is how he displays confidence in "telling it what it is" and will never be afraid to express his opinion. He can elucidate his courageous personality with his segments on his television show or with a late game analysis of a sports team. Michael Wilbon is not only universal in his thoughts, but what is most impressive is that he is very knowledgeable of all sports and is the ultimate example of what a sportswriter should be.

                                                       

Jason Terry, My Basketball Inspiration; Last Night Recap/Tonights Predictions

Jason "Jet" Terry is an NBA player who plays for the Dallas Mavericks. Not only am I inspired by Jason Terry because of the fact that he is my favorite player on my favorite team, but his courageous personality is what influences me the most.

    I have idolized Jason Terry because of the way that he plays. We both share similar characteristics in our playing styles and  his impact on the game of basketball as an undersized shooting guard gives me every reason to resemble his playing style. Jason Terry currently stands as the Mavericks emotional leader coming off of the bench. He has managed to become his teams 2nd scoring option behind Dirk Nowitzki although he comes off of the bench. He has had many accomplishments throughout his career, including a 6th Man of the Year award a few years ago. Even though he is only 6'0 tall, he plays with as if he is never afraid and his courageous personality rubs off on his teammates as he plays a major role towards the Mavericks success.

Jason Terry looks to repeat his playoff success of the past by leading his team to a solid performance tonight in Portland as his Mavericks approach a pivotal game 6 against the Trailblazers. The Mavericks look to make a statement tonight in attempts to closing out the series as they lead 3-2. The Mavericks have not been able to win in Portland all season, but are looking to change that trend. Jason Terry is averaging 16.4 points per game this postseason and will try to lead his team to victory tonight.

Last Night Recap:

Miami 97, Philadelphia 91 Game 5 - Heat win 4-1	Wade 26 Pts		Iguodala 22 Pts Brand 22 Pts
San Antonio 110, Memphis 103 (OT) Game 5 - Grizzlies lead 3-2	Ginobili 33 Pts		Randolph 26 Pts
Oklahoma City 100, Denver 97 Game 5 - Thunder win 4-1

Tonights Predictions:

NBA Schedule - Apr 28, 2011

 

• NBA on ESPN / ABC TV »

Thursday, April 28
MATCHUP	TIME (ET)	AWAY TV	HOME TV	NAT TV	RESOURCES
Orlando at Atlanta Game 6 - Hawks lead 3-2 BOLD PREDICTION: Hawks win, completing series 4-2	7:30 PM		SportSouth	NBA TV	Tickets | Venue
LA Lakers at New Orleans Game 6 - Lakers lead 3-2 BOLD PREDICTION: Hornets win, Forcing game 7	8:00 PM		Cox Sports Television	TNT	Tickets | Venue
Dallas at Portland Game 6 - Mavericks lead 3-2 BOLD PREDICTION: Mavericks win, completing series 4-2	10:30 PM		KGW Port, Or	TNT	Tickets | Venue

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Last Night's Recap; Tonights Interesting Matchups

(LeBron James' 24 points and 15 rebounds was too much for the Sixers last night in their 100-94 win, giving Miami a 3-0 lead.)

LAST NIGHTS RECAP

Mavericks 92  F

Blazers      97

The Portland Trailblazers overcame the Mavericks late rally and Jason Terry's 29 points off of the bench behind the young Wes Matthews 25 point perfomance.

Mavs lead series 2-1

Heat 100  F

Sixers 94

The Miami Heat manage to overpower the Sixers once again behind dominating performances from star players Dwyane Wade and LeBron James. Wade ended up with a game high 32 points.

Heat lead series 3-0

Bulls    88  F

Pacers 84

Derrick Rose's late game heroics allow the Bulls to overcome a valiant Pacers effort once again. Derrick Rose made the go-ahead layup while leading his team with 23 points.

Bulls lead series 3-0

(The playoffs leading scorer, Dwight Howard looks to take the lead on the series tonight in Atlanta against the Hawks.)

TONIGHTS INTERESTING MATCHUPS

Another competitive night of NBA playoff basketball is approaching as we face some interesting matchup against elite teams. The Hawks look to get a win behind their rowdy crowd as the face the Orlando Magic in a series tied 1-1. The Hornets face the same predicament as they head back to New Orleans, looking to take the lead on the series, which is also tied 1-1. The Knicks look to get it done at home without starting point guard Chauncey Billups against the veteran Celtics as both games slipped away from them in Boston. Boston leads the series 2-0.

The Atlanta Hawks look to take control of the series tonight at home, while the Magic are trying to gain their home court advantage back. Look for a big game behind the playoff's leading scorer Dwight Howard (39.2 ppg and 19.0 rpg) as the Hawks have no way of stopping him. Although the Hawks face a disadvantage, they also have alot of weapons for the Magic, who doesnt play very good defense even though theyre led by the defensive player of the year.

BOLD PREDICTION

Hawks win, making series 2-1

The Knicks are churning for revenge as they head back home from Boston. They allowed 2 games to slip away from them as Boston's veterans proved their paychecks late in crunch time. Look for a testy Knicks crowd tonight, supporting their time as they face the hated Boston Celtics. This series looks like it could get a little bloody as both teams prove their dominance with physical play.

BOLD PREDICTION

Knicks win, making series 2-1

The Lakers are seeking a win in New Orleans as they attempt to gain back their home court advantage. The Hornet's Chris Paul led his team to a game 1 victory in LA and his fans are looking for him to have a big game tonight at home. I expect the Lakers to bounce back tonight behind a dominating performance from Pau Gasol. The Lakers have seem to become lackluster in their play lately as the Hornets are looking to shock the world.

BOLD PREDICTION

Lakers win, making series 2-1

Will Pacers, Sixers, and Blazers turn things around at home?

(Tyson Chandler of the Dallas Mavericks with a thunderous slam against the dissapointed Blazers, giving the Mavericks a 2-0 lead.)



The Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Portland Trailblazers all find themselves behind 2-0 in the first round of the 2011 NBA playoffs as they enter game 3 of their series' tonight. Although they came up empty in efforts to sneak a win on the road, they still remain in position to be able to win the series. Tonight should be a pretty good night of basketball as youll see a ton of athleticism from the Miami Heat, a scrappy Indiana Pacers team, and a tough matchup between the Mavericks aand Blazers. Look for a top perfomance from one of your star players tonight as they attempt to make a statement on the road, or prove their dominance behind their home crowd.

 The Pacers have been giving the Bulls all theyve got, but somehow ended up with the loss in chicago.They expect to turn the page in game 3 while theyll behind their ruckus crowd in Indiana.
BOLD PREDICTION:
Pacers win, making series 2-1

The 76ers on the other hand, seem slightly overmatched by the Miami Heat after Miami's 94-73 rout on Tuesday. The "Big Three" (LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh) just seem to be too much for the Sixers.
BOLD PREDICTION:
Heat win, making series 3-0 eyeing the sweep

The Portland Trailblazers also have a tough matchup with the hot Dallas Mavericks tonight. The Mavericks have had big perfomances out of Nowitzi and Kidd in two straght games. The Blazers match up very well with the Mavericks. This should become an interesting series if the Blazers take care of business and not fold tonight.
BOLD PREDICTIONBlazers win, making series 2-1